ACLU Comment on Today’s Congressional Developments for Dreamers

WASHINGTON — A group of Senators led by Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced the SECURE Act today. Lorella Praeli, American Civil Liberties Union director of immigration policy and campaigns, had the following reaction to the latest legislative developments for Dreamers:

“Despite the attempt of Sens. Chuck Grassley and John Cornyn to derail efforts to pass legislation for Dreamers, today was a big step forward in the fight to enact protections for young immigrants this year.

“The bill introduced today is an attempt to give Dreamers a new expiration date, provide President Trump with additional deportation agents, and increase militarization of the border. Their proposal must be rejected as the poison pill that it is.

“Instead of focusing on a bill that would harm Dreamers and their families, these senators should follow the lead of the 34 House Republicans who, in a public letter, called on Speaker Ryan to pass legitimate legislation before the holidays.”